I found the exploration of philosophy, The Absolute, within the context of upper class Western society an interesting lens through which to dissect the morals and priorities of said society. Larry’s character was very compelling, along with Isabel in moments, and his journey, as told only through his own anecdotes, was by far the best part of this novel. The way it offers a contemplation of how capitalist society shapes consciousness and offers a false happiness, and how war and death so deeply affected soldiers in WWI was interesting - I only wish the narrator had been less ambivalent.

I had a strange sensation, a tingling that arose in my feet and travelled up to my head, and I felt as though I were suddenly released from my body and as pure spirit partook of a loveliness I had never conceived. I had a sense that a knowledge more than human possessed me, so that everything that had been confused was clear and everything that had perplexed me was explained. I was so happy that it was pain and I struggled to release myself from it, for I felt that if it lasted a moment longer I should die; and yet it was such rapture that I was ready to die rather than forgo it.